Finnish Federation of Graduate Women

Who We Are

The Finnish Federation of Graduate Women (FFGW) is the organization of Finnish female university graduates committed to act as a link among it´s members. FFGW encourages the members
– to the development of their full potential
– to the cooperation of different professional fields
– to the promotion of international cooperation

FFGW, founded in 1922, is a non-governmental organization, NGO with some 1 000 members. It has 20 local associations, three of which are Swedish-speaking. If you have a university degree, you are welcome to apply for our membership.

FFGW belongs to the Graduate Women International, GWI (previously known as International Federation of University Women, IFUW) which works to empower women and girls through lifelong education, for leadership, decision-making and peace. GWI has national affiliates in more than 60 countries. It has observer´s status in the UN, ECOSOC, ILO, UNESCO and UNICEF. Every three years a world wide conference is held for its members. In August 2013 Turkey hosted the conference. In August 2016, the GWI will gather in Cape Town, South Africa.

What We Do

FFGW promotes its members’ expertise in society.

FFGW is an active participant in issues regarding the role of women in society. It arranges meetings and seminars, has a consultant status in issues regarding higher education.

FFGW cooperates with several national non-governmental organizations on mutual themes.

A magazine for members, Minerva is published twice a year.

FFGW is a member of University Women of Europe, UWE (www.uweboard.wordpress.com) and the Nordic network Kvinnliga Akademikers Nordiska Nätverk, KANN. A mentoring project was carried out 2008–2010 with three countries involved; Finland, Holland and Turkey, coordinated by the local association in Vasa.

The Current President of the FFGW

The FFGW’s current president (2016 -) is Tuija Brax (b. 1965) who is a well-known politician and former Minister of Justice in Finland. Tuija announced leaving party politics in 2014 and she now works as the General Secretary of the Finland’s Heart Federation. Tuija has a Master’s degree in law from the University of Helsinki.